Park Fence Project Will Give Dogs, Owners Room To Romp

Coral Springs has found a solution to an ongoing battle between dog lovers and those opposed to allowing dogs in Riverside Park: Set aside a portion of another park for dogs and their owners to roam.

The city had forbidden dogs in parks.

But last year dog lovers persuaded the city to permit dogs in Riverside Park on a trial basis.

That upset some residents living near Riverside Park, in the 200 block of Coral Ridge Drive. They worried about themselves and their children having run-ins with dogs and dog messes.

That group recently asked the city to stop the trial program in the park and presented 285 signatures from people who didn't want it.

The city then considered fencing off a portion of Riverside Park for dogs. That way people who cycle, jog and skate wouldn't have to worry about the canines. But residents said that would cut off a walking path and limit people using the park for other activities.

So city commissioners on Tuesday opted to fence off a 2.5 acres in the 180-acre Regional Park and set it aside for dogs and their owners to run and play. The Regional Park, where the city's aquatics center is, abuts Royal Palm Boulevard and the Sawgrass Expressway.

Dr. Steven Paul, a veterinarian who has pushed for years for dogs to be allowed in parks, agreed to foot half the cost of the fence. He is hoping to receive donations from dog lovers throughout the city.

"I would like to call on all dog owners and residents that feel the same as I do, that at least part of our city parks system should allow man's best friend to be part of our lifestyle, rather than exiled from it," he said.